Shintoism

Question 1

What is Shintoism?

Answer 1

Shintoism is the indigenous spirituality of Japan, focusing on kami (spirits) and rituals.

Question 2

True or False: Shintoism has a founder.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The sacred spirits in Shinto are known as _____.

Answer 3

kami

Question 4

What is a torii gate?

Answer 4

A torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space in Shinto.

Question 5

What does the term ‘kami’ refer to in Shinto?

Answer 5

Kami refers to spirits, gods, or sacred essences in Shinto.

Question 6

Which festival is associated with the rice planting ritual in Shinto?

Answer 6

The Inaho Matsuri (rice planting festival)

Question 7

True or False: Shinto shrines can be found only in Japan.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is the main text of Shintoism?

Answer 8

Shinto does not have a single main text, but texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are significant.

Question 9

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common Shinto practice? A) Meditation B) Ritual purification C) Prayer to a single god

Answer 9

B) Ritual purification

Question 10

What is the significance of purification rituals in Shinto?

Answer 10

Purification rituals are meant to cleanse individuals of impurities and prepare them for worship.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Shinto priests are known as _____.

Answer 11

kannushi

Question 12

What is a kami-dana?

Answer 12

A kami-dana is a household altar in Shinto where offerings are made to kami.

Question 13

True or False: Shintoism has a concept of sin.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What is the term for the Shinto ceremony of thanksgiving for a good harvest?

Answer 14

Niinamesai

Question 15

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a Shinto belief? A) Reverence for nature B) Ancestor worship C) Reincarnation

Answer 15

C) Reincarnation

Question 16

What is the role of nature in Shintoism?

Answer 16

Nature is revered as sacred and is believed to be inhabited by kami.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The Japanese word for shrine is _____.

Answer 17

jinja

Question 18

What is the purpose of omikuji in Shinto?

Answer 18

Omikuji are fortune-telling papers that provide guidance and predictions.

Question 19

True or False: Shinto rituals are typically performed in private settings.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

What is Matsuri?

Answer 20

Matsuri refers to festivals celebrated at Shinto shrines, often involving processions and rituals.

Question 21

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a major Shinto holiday? A) Christmas B) New Year (Shogatsu) C) Thanksgiving

Answer 21

B) New Year (Shogatsu)

Question 22

What is the significance of the Emperor in Shinto?

Answer 22

The Emperor is considered a direct descendant of the kami and plays a ceremonial role in Shinto.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Shinto emphasizes the importance of _____ in daily life.

Answer 23

rituals

Question 24

What is the meaning of ‘shrine maiden’ in Shinto?

Answer 24

Shrine maidens, or miko, assist in rituals and ceremonies at shrines.

Question 25

True or False: Shintoism promotes a strict moral code.

Answer 25

False

Question 26

What is a sacred tree in Shinto called?

Answer 26

A sacred tree is called a 'shinboku.'

Question 27

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common offering made to kami? A) Flowers B) Food C) Both A and B

Answer 27

C) Both A and B

Question 28

What does the term 'kagura' refer to?

Answer 28

Kagura refers to Shinto music and dance performed as part of rituals.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The belief in the divine nature of the Japanese islands is known as _____.

Answer 29

Jinshin no kami

Question 30

What is the purpose of the Shinto practice of 'Misogi'?

Answer 30

Misogi is a ritual purification practice involving water.

Question 31

True or False: Shintoism has a centralized religious authority.

Answer 31

False

Question 32

What is the role of rituals in Shinto?

Answer 32

Rituals in Shinto serve to connect practitioners with kami and maintain harmony.

Question 33

Multiple choice: What is the main focus of Shinto worship? A) Personal salvation B) Relationship with kami C) Afterlife

Answer 33

B) Relationship with kami

Question 34

What does 'shinto' literally mean?

Answer 34

Shinto literally means 'the way of the gods.'

Question 35

Fill in the blank: The practice of visiting shrines during the New Year is called _____.

Answer 35

Hatsumode

Question 36

What is the significance of the 'Ema' in Shinto?

Answer 36

Ema are wooden plaques on which people write their wishes and hang at shrines.

Question 37

True or False: Shinto practices are often blended with Buddhism in Japan.

Answer 37

True

Question 38

What is the primary goal of Shinto rituals?

Answer 38

The primary goal is to maintain harmony with the kami and the natural world.

Question 39

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common Shinto symbol? A) Cross B) Torii C) Star of David

Answer 39

B) Torii

Question 40

What is the concept of 'wa' in Shinto?

Answer 40

'Wa' refers to harmony and is a key principle in Shinto belief and practice.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: The Shinto practice of offering food to kami is called _____.

Answer 41

shinsen

Question 42

What is the purpose of 'Sake' in Shinto rituals?

Answer 42

Sake is offered to kami as a form of purification and respect.

Question 43

True or False: Shinto has a single, universally accepted set of beliefs.

Answer 43

False

Question 44

What is the significance of the 'Shinto Creation Myth'?

Answer 44

The Shinto Creation Myth explains the origins of the kami and the Japanese islands.

Question 45

Multiple choice: What is a common Shinto prayer called? A) Mantra B) Norito C) Sutra

Answer 45

B) Norito

Question 46

Fill in the blank: The act of bowing before a shrine is known as _____.

Answer 46

ojigi